Reflections on dying, death, and grieving

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A prayer for those who grieve

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18 TNIV

At times, while grieving is intense (which may be any time or all the time or at surprising times) words of prayer may be elusive. Here are some words you may use, here are some words you may ask others to use for you:

Living God, we rejoice in your promises of blessing to those who die in the Lord; so strengthen our understanding of the light and peace which they now enjoy in Christ, that we may find consolation in our sorrow, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. —A Prayer Book for New Zealand

Change the pronoun from ‘we’ to ‘I’ and ‘our’ to ‘my’, use other words inspired by this prayer, stop and rest in the opening words, “Living God” and let the Spirit cry out from your heart to God’s heart for you as you stay quiet. Let the Spirit guide you.